A bamboo folding frame, probably for a mosquito net, each circular section stay hinged at right angles to the next with metal mounts, probably huangdong, the base of which is affixed to a semicircular metal bracket, the nine stays creating a semicircular arc over which the mosquito net would be placed. There is a number of small repairs to the hinge joints. When disassembled the frame folds flat.Qing dynasty, probably 18th or early 19th century.

width (open)height (open)

Interestingly a Japanese print by Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1867), from the series Edo Jiman, ‘The Pride of Edo’, Oban, c. 1818-1820, shows a Bijin suckling her child underneath a mosquito net. This mosquito net frame also appears also to be made of bamboo.